Mercedes-Benz CLA C117
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
360–387 PS
2.0L Turbo AMG Benzin
Hot-Hatch in Coupé Clothing
Fun to Drive!120–204 PS
2.1L Diesel Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 is available as Coupé and T-Modell — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 is available with 11 engine variants — from 75 to 387 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 d (Diesel, 109–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM607 (2013–2019, Be Careful) und OM651DE22 (2013–2016, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the CLA 180 d!
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 d Shooting Brake (Diesel, 109 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 d (Diesel, 136 PS) has the OM651DE18 (1.8L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI (Diesel, 163–177 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 d (Diesel, 170–177 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 220 CDI (Diesel, 163–177 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM651DE22 (2013–2014, Stay Away!) und OM651DE22 (2013–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the CLA Shooting Brake 220 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 (Benziner, 122 PS) has the M270DE16 (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 (Benziner, 156 PS) has the M270DE16 (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 (Benziner, 211–224 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M270DE20 (2013–2019, Be Careful) und M270DE20 (2016–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the CLA 250!
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG (Benziner, 360–387 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M133 (2013–2015, Be Careful) und M133 (2015–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the CLA 45 AMG!
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 250 (Benziner, 211–218 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M270DE20 (2013–2019, Be Careful) und M270DE20 (2013–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the CLA Shooting Brake 250!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 7G-DCT Judders When Pulling Away and During Gear Changes The 7-speed dual clutch gearbox in the CLA C117 tends toward juddering gear changes, especially when pulling away and in traffic. Clutch packs wear prematurely with intensive urban use. Software updates help temporarily; at high mileages a gearbox oil change is needed. Symptoms: Juddering and vibrations when pulling away, abrupt clutch engagement, harsh downshift at traffic lights from 60,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 (2013–2019) — 40 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Other, Interior.
CLA (OM607, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing belt instead of chain -- maintenance obligation, Timing belt interference engine -- total loss risk, Injector failure K9K base. Power: 109–116 PS.
CLA (OM651DE18, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Piezo Injector Faults (220/250 CDI), Chain Tensioner Failure with Oil Loss, Particulate Filter Blockage with Short-Trip Use. Power: 136 PS.
CLA (OM651DE22, 2013–2014) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 163–177 PS.
CLA (OM651DE22, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 109 PS.
CLA (OM651DE22, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 170–177 PS.
CLA (M270DE16, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 122 PS.
CLA (M270DE16, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 156 PS.
CLA (M270DE20, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 211–218 PS.
CLA (M133, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: Oil Feed Line Contamination / Turbo Damage, 7G-DCT Dual Clutch — Judder and Clutch Damage, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness. Power: 360 PS.
CLA (M133, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Oil Feed Line Contamination / Turbo Damage, 7G-DCT Dual Clutch — Judder and Clutch Damage, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness. Power: 381–387 PS.
CLA (M270DE20, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 211–224 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz CLA? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee